Many people shy away from telling their friends, colleagues at work or neighbours that they have been infested by bed bugs.
Eradicating bedbugs is a daunting task. One needs to seek professional help when under siege.
The pests not only cause people sleepless nights, but also psychological trauma.
“Eighty per cent of our work involves bedbug eradication. In Nairobi alone, we fumigate more than 10 houses infested by bedbugs, every day,” Job Naibei, an expert in eradicating bedbugs told the Nation.
Naibei, who has been in the business for eight years, says over reliance on public transport has increased the bedbugs infestation in the city and other towns.
He also said mitumba clothes bought at local markets also aid in spreading the blood sucking pests.
“Many people unwittingly pick up bedbugs from matatus – and even airplanes. We fumigate matatus frequently. Just last week, we were at an airport getting rid of bedbugs from more than a dozen planes belonging to a local airline!”
“Some of these imported clothes come with bedbugs, so we visit godowns in Gikomba and Muthurwa markets every weekend to fumigate the clothes before they hit the stalls,” he told Nation.
Naibei says one should first look out for red stains on bedsheets and mattress, which appear when bed bugs are crushed.
He also advised that one should look out for bedbug excrement, which appears as small, dark spots.
“If you spot any of these, contact a professional for assistance as soon as possible because it will cost far much less than tackling widespread infestation.”
He says the bugs can live for up to 300 days without food, so, starving them is not a solution.
He said only professional pest termination companies have powerful chemicals to kill bedbugs.
PHOTO: vcrma.org